Indonesia Provincial Spatial Plans on mangroves in era of decentralization: Application of content analysis to 27 provinces and “blue carbon” as overlooked components

The salience of mangroves as carbon sinks are being increasingly recognized in terms of “blue carbon.” Their significance at provincial level is critical in the era of decentralization after the reformation period. This study applied a content analysis to 27 Provincial Spatial Plans in Indonesia. The results were categorized into nine clusters. The findings indicated that the cluster prohibited activity was the most frequently mentioned in the context of management and utilization across provinces. This was followed by mangrove’s potential to be utilized as tourism and educational sites, while the aspect of “blue carbon” was largely overlooked. The results indicated the usefulness of Provincial Spatial Plans as a benchmark for the priorities and awareness of lower-level governments concerning mangroves.